Shure Reinvents Itself

So far the amount of actual newsworthy stuff coming out of NAMM has been a trickle at best. It’s amazing how much better a perception one can get on the annual gear fest when not in the middle of the noise and dog-and-pony-shows. Up until now the “advances” in dynamic microphone tech have been fairly pedestrian with the exception of the stuff Heil has been putting out for a long time now. But Shure stepped up to the plate in a big way last night. When we got an invite for a night-before-the-show preso from the biggest mic company in the world, we figured it would be a big deal. The last time they did anything like this was the release of the Axient system.

And they did not disappoint. We are looking to get our hands on one of these as soon as we can pull it off. It’s great to see the company that defined the dynamic market and continues to dominate it with the SM58 and associated offshoots finally reinvent the 50-year old tech that dominates handheld vocal mics on stages across the known universe.

+++++++++++++++++++

Shure Unveils KSM8 DualdyneTM Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone

The World’s First Dual-Diaphragm Dynamic Handheld Microphone and the Most Significant Dynamic Microphone Technology Advancement the Industry has Seen in More Than 50 Years

NILES, Ill., Jan. 21, 2016—Today, at the 2016 Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, Shure unveiled the KSM8 DualdyneTM Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone. A groundbreaking feat of engineering design, the KSM8 is the world’s first dual-diaphragm dynamic handheld microphone for revolutionary vocal reproduction and accurate sound-reinforcement and control. The KSM8 extends the Company’s wired microphone line—which includes numerous products of significance and enduring legacy—such as the Unidyne® 55 and the SM58® Microphone.

Designed for live sound performances where vocal clarity and sound quality are absolutely critical, the KSM8 not only meets the most discerning quality and reliability standards, it also has the versatility to adapt to changing environments without impacting performance. The KSM8 will revolutionize dynamic microphones in the live sound industry by providing sound engineers with a dynamic microphone that has virtually no proximity effect, a mastery of off-axis rejection and an output accuracy that requires none of the presence peaks or roll-offs that are typical of other dynamic microphones. Delivering unmatched vocal reproduction, the KSM8 design virtually eliminates the need for EQ and processing.

“The off-axis rejection is pretty amazing,” said Michael Abbott, Broadcast Mixer with The Voice and Shark Tank. “Low frequency is very smooth and I definitely noticed nice proximity control, which our host Carson (Daly) definitely requires. High frequency response is noticeably more enhanced. It’s an exceptionally well designed microphone by Shure.”

Meticulously crafted for exceptional vocal reproduction and sound-reinforcement control for world-class live performance in professional venues, the KSM8 features the purest cardioid polar pattern that Shure has developed to-date, providing the most consistent on-axis performance regardless of the performer’s microphone technique.

“Being part of the dynamic microphone resurgence has been extremely exciting for me, because our customers were always asking us what’s next in dynamic microphones,” said Scott Sullivan, Senior Director of Global Product Management at Shure. “When it comes to microphone technology and development, Shure has, what I consider to be, the “secret formula.” In my opinion, no other company, through our exceptional engineering department, could have achieved what we did with the KSM8.”

“In order to make the Dualdyne concept a reality, we had to reinvent the way we make dynamic microphones.” added John Born, Shure Product Manager. “We knew the only way to bring the concept to life, was to set all pre-existing parts and template designs aside, and start from scratch. Since then, we’ve put over seven years of engineering and development into creating something we knew the industry needed, but had never seen. As a result, the introduction of the KSM8 brings an entirely new dynamic microphone element to the world.”

The ability to virtually eliminate proximity effect and master off-axis rejection is powered by the patented Dualdyne cartridge of the KSM8, which features two ultra-thin diaphragms—one active and one passive—and a groundbreaking inverted airflow system. Additionally, its pneumatic shock mount offers exceptional rejection of handling noise without any loss of low frequency response.

As is the case with all Shure products, the world-class design and durability of the KSM8 is present in every aspect of the microphone. A dent- resistant, hardened carbon-steel grille design lined with hydrophobic woven fabric provides exceptional plosive and wind protection, while offering virtually waterproof protection. The aluminum handle—which is available in a brushed nickel or black finish—completes the KSM8’s clean and sophisticated design aesthetic that is a seamless addition to any stage.

The KSM8 is also available as a handheld transmitter option for use with Axient®, UHF-R®, ULX-D®, and QLX-D® wireless systems, and as a wireless capsule for use with other Shure wireless systems. Additionally, new KSM8 transmitters are now offered in a brushed nickel finish on ULX-D and UHF-R wireless systems.

The retail price for the KSM8 starts at $499. For additional details on the KSM8, please stop by the Shure booth (Hall A, booth #6541) at the 2016 Winter NAMM Show or visit www.shure.com/ksm8.